Reinventing marine spatial planning: a critical review of initiatives worldwide

Abstract

Although marine spatial planning (MSP) is increasingly being applied worldwide, it appears to be based on an ambiguity that has arisen from its dichotomous role of ensuring both conservation and development. This elusive ideal hints at a possible discrepancy between theory and practice. This paper explores the hypothesis that beyond a performative narrative, MSP is actually better described as a variety of devices which fulfil other roles and converge in terms of planning type. To test this hypothesis, this paper analyses the content of past and present MSP initiatives from around the world. The findings show that these initiatives view MSP either as a strategic sectoral spatial planning tool or strategic planning tool, brought in to complement existing initiatives. Furthermore, these two approaches can actually be seen to converge in the type of planning used, through the role attributed to spatial aspects, and more specifically in the place given to zoning. There are two key implications of these findings: the need to open up theoretical debates more broadly to different disciplinary perspectives on MSP; and the need for crucial choices to be made to ensure that MSP does not become an illusion behind which other agendas lie.

A Review of Sustainability Concepts in Marine Spatial Planning and the Potential to Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14

“…But while this research supports the relevance of MSP to SDG 14, it also acknowledges that the current practice of MSP rather prioritizes the achievement of economic objectives against environmental goals (although some MSP cases are truly ecosystem-based) (Trouillet, 2020). Indeed, the assessment of MSP definitions showed a minimal attention to sustainability objectives and a high focus on how to manage human uses and potential conflicts, indicating a weak sustainability approach.…”

“…One of the main contributors to such ambiguity is the dichotomous role of MSP in ensuring both environmental and economic objectives at the same time. This ambiguity has resulted in MSP cases predominantly focused on achieving economic objectives before planning for environmental objectives (Jones et al, 2016;Trouillet, 2020). This prioritization supports what is also referred to as weak sustainability, as it relies on a fragile foundation if the health of marine ecosystems is not secured.…”

“…However, research has found ambiguities regarding how MSP should balance objectives for environmental protection and economic development (Douvere and Ehler, 2008;Gilliland and Laffoley, 2008;Maes, 2008;Katsanevakis et al, 2011;Trouillet, 2020). One of the main contributors to such ambiguity is the dichotomous role of MSP in ensuring both environmental and economic objectives at the same time.…”

Exact Zoning Optimization Model for Marine Spatial Planning (MSP)

“…Indeed, various stakeholders have highlighted the importance of MSP as a tool to arrange different marine uses (Lombard et al, 2019). Still, MSP is incipient worldwide (Abspoel et al, 2019) and studies on MSP are rarely published in peer-reviewed journals (Domínguez-Tejo et al, 2016), although the number of published studies is growing (de Souza Rêgo et al, 2016;Borges et al, 2020;Trouillet, 2020).…”

Balancing Sustainability Transitions through State-Led Participatory Processes: The Case of the Dutch North Sea Agreement

“…Marine policies are currently geared towards balancing nature conservation and economic activities [6], in line with European-wide practices of marine spatial planning (MSP) [7]. MSP is based on the idea that we should not manage our oceans in a sectoral manner, but instead allocate (scarce) marine space within ecological sustainable boundaries to different sectors in an integrated, transparent and participative manner [8,9]. Dutch MSP allows the government to prioritize nature over economic activities, when economic activities significantly impact nature conservation goals as established in national and European law [10].…”